5 Things You Didn’t Know about AK-47

Guns have always been a fascinating topic in America. From who’s using them to what model, make and brand they are, guns have become a staple in our modern society. Now, whether that’s a sad or thrilling fact, we’ve decided to let our readers in on some interesting facts about one of America’s most loved (and hated) assault rifles: the AK-47.

With a new book on the market entitled AK-47: The Story of the People’s Gun, Michael Hodges is an expert on this particular weapon, and we got Hodges to let us in on a few little-known facts about the AK-47 while researching his work.

1- The inventor of the AK-47 did not profit from the gun

Although by some estimates there are 100 million AK-47-style assault rifles in circulation around the world, the gun’s inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, did not become rich (unlike Eugene Stoner, the inventor of the American M16 assault rifle, who died a wealthy man). Communist states had no patents, and until its collapse in 1991, Kalashnikov was simply an employee of the Soviet Union. “I invented a weapon to save the motherland, to save the state from fascism,” he said. “My career has been dedicated to my country.”

Despite that country awarding him the Hero of Socialist Labor medal and many other accolades, this particular Socialist hero, who just happened to change the world, started life as an enemy of the Soviet Union. Kalashnikov narrowly escaped being shot by Stalin’s special police after his family was denounced as Kulaks in 1932, and exiled to Siberia. Kalashnikov escaped again when a Panzer shell blew him from his tank in 1941, as the Soviets fought desperately to halt the Nazi advance on Moscow.

2- The AK-47 is the perfect weapon for children

The AK-47 can be stripped in under a minute and cleaned quickly in almost any climatic condition. Even if it isn’t cleaned, an AK-47 is still more likely to fire than any of its rivals given similar treatment on the battlefield. With only eight moving parts the AK-47 is cheap to manufacture and easy to use — so easy in fact that children can be taught how to properly handle this weapon in a single hour. Sudanese child soldier Emmanuel Jal picked up his first AK-47 when he was 9 years old. A fully loaded AK-47 weighs four kilograms: “I don’t know how I lifted the AK when I was tired. It was so heavy,” he remembers. “We only had a few AKs but we weren’t scared, it was like a game with toy guns. When the fighting starts you can put the gun down and run away, or pull the trigger. Once you’ve done that you are hooked; it makes you think that no one can touch you. Once you’ve fired an AK-47 you become brave.”

3- America may have given bin Laden his first AK-47

Since 1998, Osama bin Laden has regularly included an AK-47 in the propaganda videos he releases after terrorist outrages. Consequently, the gun has come to represent the global jihad, and AK-47 is an integral part of the regime at fundamentalist camps, as far apart as the English home counties and the jungles of the Philippines.

These groups and their adherents are dedicated to the destruction of Israel and America — yet it is highly likely that it was Israel and America that inadvertently put an AK-47 into bin Laden’s hands. When the Israel Defense Forces invaded Lebanon in 1982 to “crush” the Palestinian Liberation Organization they captured thousands of AK-47s.These guns found their way, via the CIA and the Pakistani Inter-Service Intelligence Agency, to the Mujahadeen resisting the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. It is probable that amongst them would have been the AK-47 that equips bin Laden.

4- The AK-47 is the U.S. army’s most resilient enemy

U.S. forces first came into large-scale contact with the AK-47 during the Vietnam War. Their own M16s malfunctioned in the heat and damp of the jungle, but the Chinese-supplied AK-47s used by the communists continued to fire. Consequently, thousands of GIs picked up AK-47s from fallen Viet Cong guerrillas. This led Americans to open fire on their own side because they presumed the distinctive pop-pop-pop sound of an AK-47 revealed an enemy position. So many GIs threw away their guns in favor of AK-47s that a House of Representatives hearing in 1971 discovered that the U.S. Army attempted to stop the media reporting the phenomenon. Today, nearly 40 years later, in the sand and heat of Iraq, American soldiers are once again giving up their own U.S.-manufactured weapons in favor of the AK-47.

5- The AK-47 is the weapon of choice for U.S. mass murderers

On January 17, 1989, Patrick Purdey walked into the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California, armed with a Chinese-manufactured AK-47. It was fitted with a barrel magazine holding 75 rounds — both of which he bought legally over a gun-shop counter. When he walked out again five children were dead and 29 were injured. In December 1997, Arturo Reyes Torres entered his former place of work, the Caltrans Maintenance Yard, with an AK-47, killed four and wounded two. There are many more examples of AK-47 murders in the U.S. The online Urban Dictionary defines “Columbine” like so: “The constant bullying of the preppies and jocks has caused him to pick up his AK-47 and go Columbine on everyone.”

Ironically, the Columbine killers did not use AK-47s, but it doesn’t matter; in America gun crime is now perceived as AK crime.

rifle-ing through history

From the killing grounds of Sadr City to the murderous barrios of Bogotá, from the battlefields of Somalia to the ghettos of the United States, the AK-47 dominates the world. Invented by a Russian tank commander at the end of World War II, by rights it should be in the dustbin of history. However, such was the genius of his design that 60 years later — for millions of unfortunate people around the world, and scores of countries wracked by conflict — Mikhail Kalashnikov’s iconic assault rifle is both the present and, tragically, the future.

To learn even more about the AK-47, check out Michael Hodges’ book, AK-47: The Story of the People’s Gun.

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007 reasons to catch the new Bond movie

So what if the new Bond movie has a title that's admittedly a tad confusing? It's perfectly safe to assume this minor detail won't prevent the hordes of 007 fans from rushing theatres this week when The Quantum of Solace gets released nationwide, November 7.

While any fan of the James Bond series over the last few decades can probably point out a thousand reasons for watching Bond in action on the big screen, we decided to couple together what we thought were the seven best reasons why you shouldn't pass on this latest release.

Reason 001: A new direction

One of the obvious reasons that kept earlier fans heading back for more are the classic Bond one-liners that have passed into everyday usage.

Interestingly enough, the new film marks the first time since 1967's You Only Live Twice that Mr Bond won't be using his well-known introductory lines, nor the other classic 'shaken, not stirred.'

This, we suggest, would be another good reason to go watch the film, because it's heading in an entirely new direction. Watching how hardcore fan react to the changes promises to be even more interesting. Everyone can remember the first time they saw their first Bond movie and the first time the slick man in the black suit introduced himself with that unforgettable 'The name's Bond, James Bond.'

Apart from the absence of his famous one-liners, other notable changes seem to make the current Bond more human and realistic than his predecessors, bringing him closer to what the character's

 

Reason 002: An exciting end to the Diwali season

What better way to end the thrill of the Diwali season and get that adrenaline rushing through your system one last time than by watching the latest James Bond film?

Interestingly enough, The Quantum of Solace is being released in India a whole week before its slated release in the United States, no doubt with the aim of capitalising on the holiday season.

The 22nd Bond film in the series of vastly successful flicks that have spanned nearly five decades, this one promises to pack in every bit of excitement and eye candy as the ones before it. So who says the fireworks and excitement need to come to an end when Diwali comes to a close?

Reason 003: Olga Kurylenko

Admittedly, Olga Kurylenko is one of those reasons that will appeal (largely) to men and with good reason.

Green eyed and unbelievably good looking, Kurylenko is poised to set pulses racing worldwide. A renowned model, Kurylenko only recently donned the mantle of actress with noteworthy roles in movies like 2006's Paris, Je te Aime and 2007's Hitman.

At a surprisingly young age of 28, Kurylenko now finds herself member of a distinguished group of actresses who have had the honour -- and what many consider sheer good luck -- of playing a Bond girl.

She follows in the footsteps of other stunning women like Halle Berry, Eva Green, Michelle Yeoh and Jane Seymour.

Reason 004: It's James Bond!

The best reason we can give for why you should be better acquainted with Agent Double O Seven is the simple fact that everyone else already is. The ultimate spy, Mr Bond is admired by men and women alike and is nothing short of a cross-cultural phenomenon.

It's movie history in the making, whether anyone bothers to watch it or not. So if you pride yourself on your knowledge of cinema (And we bet you do, or why would you be reading any of this?), you can't choose to pass on this flick.

The list of famous actors who have played the mesmerizing spy includes Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery and Roger Moore.

Already touted as one of the best action films of the year, and with the other reasons we've mentioned above, The Quantum of Solace is a sure-fire way to end your Diwali celebrations with a bang!

Reason 005: Crooks and Cars

The foolproof formula that earned the James Bond series of films scores of fans have been the colourful crooks along with the fancy cars and gadgets employed by Bond over the years gone by.

They undeniably form a huge part of Bond's allure, often getting him out of tight situations and helping him accomplish seemingly impossible goals.

Automobile fans have always been awed by the dazzling array of vehicles Bond has been seen behind the wheels of. So what can we expect from the current film? More of the Aston Martin DBS, for one, that was used so effectively in Casino Royale.

Apart from the destruction of fancy cars, you can expect the usual fair share of villainous criminal masterminds. This time around, Bond must pit his moves against an especially dangerous criminal association known only as Quantum (Hence the film's title).

Reason 006: The music

One of the signature features of any James Bond film is the music and The Quantum of Solace is no exception.

Most Bond films featured music that was destined to be forever associated with Agent Double O Seven. Who amongst us can claim to have never hummed along to its familiar theme music as the now famous opening gun barrel sequence unfolds on screen?

It is especially notable that several songs have been performed by a number of artists over the years that have helped add to the slick aura that the Bond films have acquired over the years.

Artists as diverse as Paul McCartney and Madonna have all written and performed songs for different Bond movies. So are there any big names involved with the latest one? You bet.

From what we gather, The White Stripes' Jack White and Alicia Keys are among those who have recorded music especially for the film.

Reason 007: Storyline and set

Quantum of Solace picks up from where the latest man to represent Agent 007, Daniel Craig, left off in the last Bond movie -- 2006's immensely successful Casino Royale.

The Bond series has never shied away from extensive sets and gorgeous backdrops, and the latest is no exception. Shot in landscapes as diverse and exotic as Madrid, Italy and even Peru, amidst stunning scenery, The Quantum of Solace promises to be every bit as spectacular as fans have expected it to be.

The story this time has Daniel Craig aka James Bond picking up from where he left off in Casino Royale, uncovering a new plot that leads Agent Double O Seven to Haiti and eventually Bolivia.

We'd tell you a bit more, but we wouldn't want to spoil the fun. At any rate, several changes have been planned for this one and it will be interesting to see how this goes down with Bond fans.

Top 10 Scariest New Car Features

We like heated seats and high-end stereos as much as the next car shopper, but some of today's automotive features provoke more fright than delight. Take GM's left-hand steering-column stalk: Until recently, this stalk housed the cruise controls in the form of a tiny, three-position switch plus a secondary button. The same stalk also managed high-beam headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals. Twist something the wrong way and the car could turn into a five-passenger R2-D2.

 With things like that in mind, we chose 10 not-so-delightful features in today's cars, from chairs that perform pneumatic jujitsu on your back to owner's manuals that could qualify for a summer reading list.

10. Rain-Sensing Wipers

Rain-sensing windshield wipers have crept from high-end luxury cars to everyday models like theToyota Avalon. They generally use infrared sensors to monitor a certain section of the windshield for moisture or dirt, then trigger the wipers to respond according to a threshold the driver sets. They usually work OK — until, invariably, they don't. When one editor's Volkswagen Jetta tester had its rain-sensing wipers suddenly spring to action one cloudless night, it was mildly frightening, to say the least.

 

9. Soda Can Cool Zone

Various automakers offer air-conditioned compartments to keep sodas and other sundries cool. Problem is, those cool zones get hot in the summer when the car is off; we had a couple sodas explode in a certain Dodge after a 90-degree weekend. A spokeswoman told us the car's so-called Chill Zone is not intended to be used as a refrigerator. All the same, we came away a bit steamed. And sticky.

8. Smart Transmission

The Smart ForTwo deserves its own category. The minicar's automated-manual transmission shifts gears with its own electronic clutch while the driver sees a traditional automatic setup. Drive the thing and you feel like you're on a bucking bronco. Once you're through first gear, the transmission stutters, shudders and very nearly takes a personal day before engaging second. The same thing happens on the way to third, and fourth, and fifth. Sorry, Smart, but this gearbox is anything but.

7. Power-Sliding Doors

Parents, rest assured the power-sliding doors on upscale minivans employ all sorts of electronic cutoffs to ensure they won't eat your Brownie troop. But we'll admit the prospect of power doors that can do their thing by remote 20 or 30 feet away can be a bit, um, dicey. They can also add hundreds of dollars to a car's out-the-door sticker. If you're feeling the pinch, go with manual sliders and open 'em yourself.

 6. Multi-Manual Owner's Booklets

The thought of wading through an owner's manual to figure out how something works is daunting enough. Try wading through 10 of them or more; that's the number of pamphlets, manuals and quick-start guides included in some cars' libraries. With online directories only a click away, do you really need a state-by-state list of dealerships? Memo to carmakers: Just because it goes in the glove box doesn't mean it needs to be a box set.

 5. Self-Parking Cars

Lexus' self-parking feature is optional on the LS sedan. Line up the superimposed square in the backucamera with your intended parking spot, gently let off the brakes and the LS will slowly steer around adjacent cars as it backs into the spot. You have to press the brakes to bring the car to a stop at the end. We didn't know Big Brother had a valet job, either.

 4. iDrive

Even among the trio of similar dashboard interfaces from Audi and Mercedes, BMW's iDrive is utter knobsense. Directional inputs send you to various submenus, but in most models there are no shortcut or previous-screen buttons around the knob. In many models, street labels sit on a horizontal plane no matter the direction of the street, and if you need to scroll along the map you have to spin the knob to move east/west, then click it down and spin it again to move north/south. If you get the hang of it, you'll be ready for "Survivor" tryouts.

 3. Voice Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Navigation systems have been barking out orders for years. With the exception of Land Rover's charming Brit, most of them employ a female American voice whose intonations range from casually disinterested to downright annoyed. Some systems try gamely to pronounce street names, but the result is usually anything but clear: You're cruising along, and she suddenly directs you to turn left on ... what was that? Ah, Fockner Ave.

2. Heart-Rate Monitor

You read correctly. Volvo's Personal Car Communicator monitors the cabin and pulses a light on your keyfob if your car has an unexpected visitor inside. TV ads show a woman approaching herS80 in a deserted parking garage, seeing the warning and hightailing it away. The thought of having this feature is scary in and of itself — not for fear of being carjacked, but because we wonder what sort of paranoia would drive you to want it.

1. Overly Aggressive Seats

Driver's seats run the gamut, from flat benches to the sort of hip-huggers you'd get in an F-15, and some of the more extravagant ones don't sit so well with us. The BMW 7 Series offers a massaging driver's seat, but its throbbing motions feel downright Frankensteinian compared to a real massage. In some of Mercedes-Benz's pricier models, active side bolsters automatically inflate to hold you in as you take a corner. They're convenient on highway offramps and winding roads, but 90-degree city turns can result in sudden rib pinching as the seats go hog-wild to keep up. Avoid large spicy meals beforehand — or wade through the Benz's onboard computer menus to turn the feature off.

 

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World's Most Bizarre Magazines

Girls and Corpses

Girls and Corpses? "Well, if you're like me --explains the author, writer Robert Steven "Corpsy" Rhine-- you like two things: beautiful girls and rotting corpses. So, I thought, why not bring these two great tastes together in one magazine?" 

Probably the world's most bizarre magazine in history, Girls and Corpses is sort of like Maxim Magazine meets Dawn Of The Dead. There are pictures in each issue of beautiful, scantily clad young beauties posing with hideous, decaying, festering corpses. As they would put it, "so many corpses... so little time".

Miniature Donkey Talk Magazine

Miniature donkeys? Miniature Donkey Talk is a magazine dedicated to "ALL SIZED" donkeys. Published for 18 years, the mag actually claims to be "AT LEAST 4 times greater distribution than ANY miniature donkey publication!!!" Competition must be tough.

Modern Drunkard

Standing up for your right to get falling down drunk since 1996, Modern Drunkard will improve your booze knowledge every month or so, or as they put it: updated whenever. 

OMFG

WTF?! behold the OMFG magazine. Not really a bizarre magazine in itself, except for the name of course. The Official Meeting Facilities Guide (OMFG) is a trade publication. 

Sheep!

Ever wanted to read all there is to know about Sheeps? Yeah, me neither! Sheep! Mag is published bi-monthly in north-central Wisconsin; each issue contains boring articles about all kinds of sheeps. Bahhh! 

A Bear's Life

"About the early 1990's there was talk about groups of men similar to us in looks and interests, most of them big, hairy, friendly and affectionate guys, that were forming clubs, a sub-culture of the gay community. They called themselves... 'Bears'. We are happy and thrilled to bring you a magazine that celebrates the Bear Community." There's a mag for everyone.